GB2491706A

GB2491706A - A collapsible ramp for providing a pathway between two levels

Info

Publication number: GB2491706A
Application number: GB1209842.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Humble
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-10
Filing date: 2012-06-01
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-01
Also published as: GB2491706B; GB201109698D0; GB201209842D0

Abstract

The ramp 1 has a frame 3 having two ends 3a, 3b and a platform 9 also having two ends 9a, 9b with one end of the platform pivotally attached one end of the frame. The platform is movable between a first condition in which the platform is inclined and a second condition in which it is substantially horizontal. The pivotal attachment may be at the 2nd end 9b and the apparatus may further comprise a flap (11, fig 2) located at the first end 9a. The platform may be biased towards the second condition, preferably using a helical spring. A seal between the platform and the frame 13, 15 may be provided. There may be means to move the platform between the conditions and this is preferably an actuator 23. The apparatus may further comprise a sensor for ascertaining the location of the platform.

Description

System for Facilitating Access To And From A Building The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for facilitating access to and from a building. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for facilitating access to and from a building by a user of a wheeled device, for example, a wheelchair, a child's pushchair or a trolley.

Part M of The Building Regulations 2000 "Access To And Use Of Buildings" requires that many buildings must provide adequate access to everyone. In response to this, it is known for many buildings, in particular those buildings used by the public on a regular basis, to incorporate a ramp, thereby facilitating access by a user of a wheeled device. Typically, ramps provide a continuous pathway from the exterior ground space of a building to the interior floor space of the building. In many circumstances, the exterior ground space is lower than the interior floor space of the building.

Despite being a widely used means of facilitating access to and from a building by a user of a wheeled device, ramps suffer from a number of disadvantages, in particular the large amount of exterior ground space required for their installation and also their permanent, i.e. fixed, nature.

The presence of a conventional step for facilitating the movement of a user between two different levels, whilst being impractical for a user of a wheeled device, can nevertheless additionally function as a "stop" to prevent the ingress of water into a building. The presence of a ramp on the exterior ground space however, whilst being more practical for a user of a wheeled device, can sometimes result in the disadvantageous ingress of water into the building in the event of heavy rainfall for example, in particular in the event of heavy winds, The aim of the present invention is to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide an improved apparatus for facilitating access to and from a building.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible ramp for providing a pathway between an upper level and a lower level, each being vertically displaced from the other, the apparatus comprising:- (a) a frame having a first end and a second end; (b) a platform having a first end and a second end, said second end of the platform being pivotally attached to the second end of the frame, characterised in that the platform is movable between a first condition in which the platform is disposed at an incline relative to the lower level, and a second condition in which at least a portion of the first end of the platform is vertically displaced from the lower level so that the platform is disposed substantially horizontally.

Preferably, when the platform is in its first condition, at least a portion of the first end of the platform abuts against the lower level.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a flap pivotally attached to the first end of the platform and movable between a first condition in which it is disposed substantially parallel with the lower level so that the platform is disposed in its first condition, and a second condition in which it is disposed substantially perpendicular to the platform so that the platform is disposed in its second condition.

Preferably the platform comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs on its underside.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one biasing means for biasing the platform towards its second condition.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises a helical spring.

Preferably, the first end of the platform comprises a means for providing a seal between the platform and the lower level in the event that the platform is in its first condition.

Alternatively, the first end of the platform comprises a means for providing a seal between the platform and a portion of the frame in the event that the platform is in its first condition.

Preferably, the flap comprises a means for providing a seal between the flap and the lower level in the event that the platform is in its second condition.

Alternatively, the flap comprises a means for providing a seal between the flap and a portion of the frame in the event that the platform is in its second condition.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a means for moving the platform between its first and second conditions as required.

Preferably, the means for moving the platform between its first and second conditions comprises an actuator, a first element connected to the frame, and a second element linearly movable with respect to the first element, the second element being pivotally connected to the lower portion of the flap, wherein the second element is movable with respect to the first element upon operation of the actuator, between a first condition in which the platform is in its first condition and a second condition in which the platform is in its second condition, respectively.

Preferably, the frame comprises a base to which are attached two opposing side portions and a back portion disposed adjacent the second end of the platform.

Preferably, the height of the back portion of the frame is less than the height of the flap.

Alternatively, the height of the back portion of the frame is substantially equal to the height of the flap.

In this case, the apparatus further comprises a support means disposed on the base of the frame for supporting the first and second elements respectively.

Preferably, a portion of the base of the frame adjacent the first end of the frame is adapted to allow the means for providing a seal between the flap and a portion of the frame to slide over the base.

Preferably, the actuator is connected to a mains power supply.

The apparatus may further comprise a battery.

Preferably, the actuator may be operable by means of either a push button, a key, a fingerprint recognition system, an iris recognition system, a swipe card or an electronic keypad.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a sensor for ascertaining whether the platform is in its first condition or its second condition.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an alarm for generating an alarm condition whether audible or visual, in the event that movement of the platform between its first condition and its second condition, is restricted.

Preferably, the alarm is further configured to generate an alarm condition in the event that the platform becomes stuck in between its first and its second condition.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above and one side of a first embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level, each being vertically displaced from the other, with the platform in its first condition; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from above and one side of a first embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level, each being vertically displaced from the other, with the platform in its second condition; Figure 3 shows a perspective view showing hidden detail, of a portion of a first embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other, with the platform intermediate between its first and second conditions; Figure 4 shows a perspective view showing hidden detail, of a first embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other, with the platform in its second condition; Figure 5 shows a side view of a portion of a first embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other, in particular showing the flap and the second element; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other, with the platform in its second condition, in situ in a building; Figure 7 shows a perspective view showing hidden detail, of a second embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other, with the platform in its second condition; Figure 8 shows a side view showing hidden detail of a second embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other, with the platform in its second condition; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other; and Figure 11 shows a view from above showing hidden detail of a second embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other.

With reference to Figures 1 to 6, an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level B and a lower level A, each being vertically displaced from the other, is represented generally by reference numeral 1.

The apparatus 1 comprises a frame 3 having a first end 3a and a second end 3b, which can be made from steel coated in an appropriate protective coating such as powder coating for example. However, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus 1 can be made from any suitable material, The frame 3 comprises a base 4 to which are attached two oppositely disposed side portions 5a and 5b respectively and a back portion 6.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a platform 9 having a first end 9a and a second end 9b, said second end 9b of the platform 9 being pivotally attached to the second end 3b of the frame 3, in particular to the back portion 6. The platform 9 is pivotally attached to the second end 3b of the frame by means of a hinge 12.

Pivotally attached to the first end 9a of the platform 9 by means of hinges 10, is a flap 11, which is movable between a first condition in which it is disposed substantially parallel with the lower level A so that the platform 9 is disposed in its first condition, and a second condition in which it is disposed substantially perpendicular to the platform 9 so that the platform 9 is disposed in its second condition.

It is to be appreciated that the flap 11 could be pivotally attached to the first end 9a of the platform 9 by either a single elongate hinge or a plurality of discrete hinges.

In order to prevent the ingress of water into the building, the first end 9a of the platform 9 comprises a first seal means 13 for providing a seal between the platform 9 and the lower level A in the event that the platform 9 is in its first condition. By way of a further barrier against the ingress of water into the building, the flap 11 further comprises a second seal means 15 for providing a seal between the flap 11 and the lower level A in the event that the platform 9 is in its second condition.

As can be seen from Figure 3 in particular, a portion 16 of the base 4 of the frame 3 adjacent the first end 3a of the frame 3 is adapted to allow the second seal means 15 to slide over the base 4 in the event that the platform 9 is moving between its first and second conditions. For example, the material of the portion 16 could be made from a material such that there is a low coefficient of friction between the second seal means and the portion 16.

As can be seen from Figure 4 in particular, a plurality of elongate reinforcing ribs 17 are disposed on the underside of the platform 9, in order to provide the platform 9 with added strength in the event that it is subjected to a load. As can also be seen from Figure 4, the apparatus I further comprises two helical springs 2la and 2lb which act in such as way as to urge the platform 9 in an upwards direction to move it to its second condition.

However, it is to be appreciated that an alternative biasing means to the helical springs 21 a and 21 b may be used. By way of example, the biasing means could be provided as a result of a torsional spring (not shown) forming a part of the hinge 12.

As can be seen from Figure 4 in particular, the apparatus 1 further comprises an actuator 23, which is connected to a mains power supply (not shown), which is adapted to move the platform 9 between its first and second conditions as required.

The actuator 23 is operable by any suitable control means, for example a push button (not shown) which is held down by a user in order to raise and lower the platform 9 as required; a key (not shown), a fingerprint recognition control system (not shown), an iris recognition control system (not shown), a swipe card (not shown) or an electronic keypad (not shown).

It is to be appreciated that the actuator 23 has sufficient power so that it can overcome the action of the helical springs in the event that the apparatus 1 is being moved from its second condition to its first condition.

To elaborate, the actuator 23 is connected to a first element 25 which is itself connected to the frame 3. The first element 25 is connected to a second element 27 linearly movable with respect to the first element 25 in a direction substantially parallel to the lower level A as a result of initiation of the actuator 23. As can be seen from Figure 5 in particular, the second element 27 is pivotally connected to the lower portion llaofthe flap 11.

The second element 27 is movable with respect to the first element 25 between a first condition in which the platform 9 is in its first condition and a second condition in which the platform 9 is in its second condition, respectively. In this way, the actuator 23 extends and retracts the second element 27 relative to the first element 25 as required, in order to move the flap 11 between its first and its second conditions. The first element 25 is telescopically connected to the second element 27, for example.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2 in particular, the height of the back portion 6 of the frame 3 is less than the height of the flap 11. This provides the advantage that the apparatus 1 is higher at the front than at the back, thereby providing further protection against the ingress of water into the apparatus 1.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a sensor (not shown) for ascertaining whether the platform 9 is in its first condition or its second condition, or at any point in between.

The apparatus 1 further comprises an alarm (not shown) for generating an alarm condition whether audible or visual, in the event that movement of the platform 9 between its first condition and its second condition, is restricted. The alarm is further configured to generate an alarm condition in the event that the platform 9 becomes stuck between its first and its second condition, in response to a signal from the sensor.

The apparatus 1 operates as follows: -In the event that the apparatus 1 is in its second condition (such as is shown in Figure 2) whereby the platform 9 is substantially horizontal, effectively forming a step between the lower level A and the upper level B, the user of a wheeled vehicle cannot easily enter the building.

Accordingly, in order to deploy the ramp, that is, move the platform 9 from its second condition to its first condition (such as is shown in Figure 1), the user operates the actuator 23 (for example by means of a push switch or inter alia, any of the alternatives mentioned previously). The operation of the actuator 23 causes the second element 27 to move linearly with respect to the first element 25, for example by way of retracting inside the first element 25, in order to effectively pull the lower portion 11 a of the flap 11 in a direction towards the back portion 6 of the frame 3.

This causes the first end 9a of the platform 9 to lower itself (against the action of the helical springs 21 a and 21 b) whilst the flap 11 simultaneously tucks itself underneath the platform 9.

As a result of this, the user of the wheeled device is then presented with a ramp to easily gain access to the building. Once the user has gained access to the building, they can then operate the actuator 23 to raise the platform 9 to its second condition once again.

With reference to Figures 7 to 11, a second embodiment of an apparatus for facilitating a wheeled device to travel between an upper level B and a lower level A, each being vertically displaced from the other, is represented generally by reference numeral 101.

It is to be appreciated that those features in common with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 have identical reference numerals but increased by 100.

The apparatus 101 comprises a frame 103 having a first end 103 a and a second end 1 03b, which can be made from steel coated in an appropriate protective coating such as powder coating for example. However, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus 101 can be made from any suitable material. The frame 103 comprises a base 104 to which are attached two oppositely disposed side portions I 05a and 1 05b respectively and a back portion 106.

The apparatus 101 further comprises a platform 109 having a first end 109a and a second end 1 09b, said second end 1 09b of the platform 109 being pivotally attached to the second end 103b of the frame 103, in particular to the back portion 106. The platform 109 is pivotally attached to the second end 103b of the frame by means of a hinge 112.

Pivotally attached to the first end I 09a of the platform 109 by means of hinges 110, is a flap 111, which is movable between a first condition in which it is disposed substantially parallel with the lower level A so that the platform 109 is disposed in its first condition, and a second condition in which it is disposed substantially perpendicular to the platform 109 so that the platform 109 is disposed in its second condition.

It is to be appreciated that the flap Ill could be pivotally attached to the first end 1 09a of the platform 109 by either a single elongate hinge or a plurality of discrete hinges.

As can be seen from Figures 7 and 8 in particular, unlike the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 in which the height of the back portion of the frame is less than the height of the flap, the height of the back portion 106 is the same as the height of the flap 111. This provides the advantage that the apparatus 101 is easier and more economical to manufacture.

In order to prevent the ingress of water into the building, the first end 109a of the platform 109 comprises a first seal means 113 for providing a seal between the platform 109 and the lower level A in the event that the platform 109 is in its first condition. By way of a further barrier against the ingress of water into the building, the flap Ill further comprises a second seal means 115 for providing a seal between the flap 111 and the lower level A in the event that the platform 109 is in its second condition. By way of a further barrier against the ingress of water into the building, the apparatus 101 differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 in that the flap Ill further comprises third seal means 130a and 130b for providing a seal between the flap Ill and the side portions 105a and 105b respectively.

In common with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, a portion 116 of the base 104 of the frame 103 adjacent the first end 103a of the frame 103 is adapted to allow the second seal means 115 to slide over the base 104 in the event that the platform 109 is moving between its first and second conditions. For example, the material of the portion 116 could be made from a material such that there is a low coefficient of friction between the second seal means 115 and the portion 116.

As can be seen from Figure 7 in particular, a plurality of elongate reinforcing ribs 117 are disposed on the underside of the platform 109, in order to provide the platform 109 with added strength in the event that it is subjected to a load.

As can be seen from Figure 10 in particular, the apparatus 101 further comprises two helical springs 121a and 121b which act in such as way as to urge the platform 109 in an upwards direction to move it to its second condition.

However, it is to be appreciated that an alternative biasing means to the helical springs 121a and 121b may be used. By way of example, the biasing means could be provided as a result of a torsional spring (not shown) forming a part of the hinge 112.

As can be seen from Figure 9 in particular, the apparatus 101 further comprises an actuator 123, which is connected to a mains power supply (not shown), which is adapted to move the platform 109 between its first and second conditions as required.

The actuator 123 is operable by any suitable control means, for example a push button (not shown) which is held down by a user in order to raise and lower the platform 109 as required; a key (not shown), a fingerprint recognition control system (not shown), an iris recognition control system (not shown), a swipe card (not shown) or an electronic keypad (not shown).

It is to be appreciated that the actuator 123 has sufficient power so that it can overcome the action of the helical springs in the event that the apparatus 101 is being moved from its second condition to its first condition.

To elaborate, the actuator 123 is connected to a first element 125 which is itself connected to the frame 103. The first element 125 is connected to a second element 127, which is linearly movable with respect to the first element 125. In a similar fashion to the first embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the second element 127 is pivotally connected to the lower portion of the flap Ill.

The second element 127 is movable with respect to the first element 125 between a first condition in which the platform 109 is in its first condition and a second condition in which the platform 109 is in its second condition, respectively.

In this way, the actuator 123 extends and retracts the second element 127 relative to the first element 125 as required, in order to move the flap 111 between its first and its second conditions. The first element 125 is telescopically connected to the second element 127, for example.

It is to be appreciated that the actuator 123 is mounted high up on the back portion 106; that is, the actuator 123 is mounted on the upper portion of the back portion 106.

This provides the advantage that the actuator 123 is protected from any accidental ingress of water into the apparatus 101. In view of the fact that the actuator 123 is mounted on the upper portion of the back portion 106, the apparatus 101 further comprises a support element 124 disposed on the base 104 midway between the first I 09a and second 1 09b ends of the frame 103. The support element 124 is wedge-shaped so that it provides a means of support for the first element 125 and the second element 125.

In view of the fact that the actuator 123 is mounted on the upper portion of the back portion 106, that is, high up on the back portion 106, the helical springs l2la and l2lb are also mounted on wedge shaped support elements 122a and 122b.

The apparatus 101 further comprises a sensor (not shown) for ascertaining whether the platform 109 is in its first condition or its second condition, or at any point in between. The apparatus 101 further comprises an alarm (not shown) for generating an alarm condition whether audible or visual, in the event that movement of the platform 109 between its first condition and its second condition, is restricted. The alarm is further configured to generate an alarm condition in the event that the platform 109 becomes stuck between its first and its second condition, in response to a signal from the sensor, The apparatus 101 operates in the same way as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6.

The present invention, examples of which are described above, is particularly advantageous in that the configuration of the apparatus 1, 101 is not permanent and is able to alternate between a ramp and a step as required.

Further, the present invention is suitable for incorporation into newly built domestic and commercial buildings, or can be retrofitted to existing domestic and commercial buildings, as required.

Moreover, the feature that the majority of the apparatus 1, 101 is disposed inside the building results in the apparatus 1, 101 not taking up too much exterior ground space.

However, it is to be appreciated that the apparatus 1, 101 can be disposed at any suitable location with respect to the entrance to the building. For example, the apparatus 1, 101 could alternatively be disposed either partly inside and partly outside of the building, or outside of the building in its entirety. Moreover, the apparatus 1, 101 could be portable to be used when necessary.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A collapsible ramp for providing a pathway between an upper level and a lower level, each being vertically displaced from the other, the apparatus comprising: - (a) a frame having a first end and a second end; (b) a platform having a first end and a second end, said second end of the platform being pivotally attached to the second end of the frame, eharacterised in that the platform is movable between a first condition in which the platform is disposed at an incline relative to the lower level, and a second condition in which at least a portion of the first end of the platform is vertically displaced from the lower level so that the platform is disposed substantially horizontally.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the platform is in its first condition, at least a portion of the first end of the platform abuts against the lower level.
3. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a flap pivotally attached to the first end of the platform and movable between a first condition in which it is disposed substantially parallel with the lower level so that the platform is disposed in its first condition, and a second condition in which it is disposed substantially perpendicular to the platform so that the platform is disposed in its second condition.
4. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the platform comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs on its underside.
5. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising at least one biasing means for biasing the platform towards its second condition.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the biasing means comprises a helical spring.
7. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first end of the platform comprises a means for providing a seal between the platform and the lower level in the event that the platform is in its first condition.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first end of the platform comprises a means for providing a seal between the platform and a portion of the frame in the event that the platform is in its first condition.
9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the flap comprises a means for providing a seal between the flap and the lower level in the event that the platform is in its second condition.
10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flap comprises a means for providing a seal between the flap and a portion of the frame, in the event that the platform is in its second condition.
11. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a means for moving the platform between its first and second conditions, as required.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 with any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the means for moving the platform between its first and second conditions comprises an actuator, a first element connected to the frame, and a second element linearly movable with respect to the first element, the second element being pivotally connected to the lower portion of the flap, wherein the second element is movable with respect to the first element upon operation of the actuator between a first condition in which the platform is in its first condition and a second condition in which the platform is in its second condition, respectively.
13. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame comprises a base to which are attached two opposing side portions and a back portion disposed adjacent the second end of the platform.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 with any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the height of the back portion of the frame is less than the height of the flap.
15. An apparatus according to claim 13 with any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the height of the back portion of the frame is substantially equal to the height of the flap.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15 with any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a support means disposed on the base of the frame for supporting the first and second elements respectively.
17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16 with any one of claims to 12, wherein a portion of the base of the frame adjacent the first end of the frame is adapted to allow the means for providing a seal between the flap and a portion of the frame to slide over the base.
18. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a sensor for ascertaining whether the platform is in its first condition or its second condition.
19. An apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising an alarm for generating an alarm condition whether audible or visual, in the event that movement of the platform between its first condition and its second condition, is restricted.
20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the alarm is further configured to generate an alarm condition in the event that the platform becomes stuck between its first and its second condition.
21. A collapsible ramp for providing a pathway between an upper level and a lower level vertically displaced from each other substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.